SCANDAL: HIS MAJESTY'S LOVE- CHILD - Annie West (Dark Hearted Desert Men, Book 4)

Author: Annie West
Line: Harlequin Presents / Mills and Boon Modern
Release month: North America/AU/NZ: July 2010 UK: June 2010
The S-Factor: Sensual

Back Blurb:

Seduction in the sand…….

Speculation surrounding exiled rebel Prince Tahir Al-Ramiz has reached fever pitch! After being spotted causing mayhem in an exclusive Monte Carlo casino, Tahir flew home to Qusay for his brother-s coronation. But when a desperate mayday was received, and the remains of Tahir-s helicopter were discovered the worst was assumed- Until he came back from the dead, with no explanation as to how he had survived!

Now a mysterious beauty has moved into the palace. Rumours of a pregnancy abound- Could it be that this notorious playboy prince’s lost days in the desert camouflaged a secret affair?

Review ♥♥♥♥♥

Annie West has successfully succeeded in creating one of the most charming yet tortured sheikh in Scandal: His Majesty’s Love-Child. It was essential that the final book tied everything together and Harlequin/Mills and Boon couldn’t have picked a more accomplished author than Ms. West to complete the task!

The Dark Hearted Desert Men was a spin-off from the Royal House of Karedes series. Of these four devastating sheikhs who would be king and would they find love? However, let’s not forget the authors who had a hand in writing this sexy series……Carol Marinelli, Jennie Lucas, Trish Morey and Annie West…..bravo!

Tahir Al’Ramirz was larger than life…..at a very young age he was exiled from his country by his father, a cruel and abusive man, more than abusive one will learn while reading this particular book. His father not only brutally beat him he also sent his thugs to also do the job. He also betrayed his wife with a string of mistresses. Tahir had never been able to please his father no matter how hard he tried. He was a loner and self-contained. He was dark, handsome, sexy, rich and had a different woman on his arm weekly. He had long ago given up caring what his family was up to until he received a call from his oldest brother that he was needed at home. It was on this journey over the desert, flying a helicopter in a dust storm that his plane went down.

Annalisa was keeping a promise to her father. She had promised to go into the desert and take his telescope to view a comet he named after her mother. She would make sure that the comet got the recognition it deserved! Yearly, she and her father had spent time camping in the the desert when she was not working as his medical assistant as he was the village doctor. Now she really had no one with the exception of a few aunts and cousins. So out to the desert she went and was to return home in a few days with a camel caravan. Then the most amazing thing happened while bathing in the oasis, the most incredible man appeared on the horizon wearing a tuxedo, staggering down the dunes. He was bleeding, had a bump on his head and he was the most handsome man and had the most incredible blue eyes. It was obvious to Annalisa that he was in need of medical assistance.

For them both their time spent in the desert was emotional; Annalisa missed her father but was looking forward to when she returned home she could travel, see the world and then go to university. Tahir’s wounds needed to be healed but he also needed to come to terms with his past and his nightmares and his feelings for this sweet young woman who had become his caretaker. As Tahir’s wounds healed, temptation was off the charts for them both. They actually liked and respected each other but the attraction was like a magnet for them both and then out in the desert camp, under the stars they made love many times and Annalisa lost her heart and virginity and Tahir for the first time in his life really enjoyed himself, he felt at peace. However, he knew the caravan that would take them home was soon to come and he needed to make a clean break, not to give her any hope and so he was curt, dismissive but made sure she knew that if she’d become pregnant, she needed to contact him.

Annalisa returned home and Tahir was hospitalized and then he was told he was to be King as he brother Rafiq didn’t want the throne. A shock yes, but a greater shock Annalisa had to face when she found out she’s was pregnant. She wandered the streets after receiving the news and fate steps in again when she accidentally meetsTahir’s mother the Sheikha who invited her to be a guest and stay at the palace.

Tahir was a fierce leader and stepped into his responsibilities as if he was born to lead. Annalisa’s stay at the Palace made him aware that’s she was more than a pretty face, she was different from and not the typical Qusay woman based on her European heritage and her involvement in her father’s profession. Talk about tension in the palace both sexual and emotional for them both. They complimented each other in so many ways and while reading this final story I could see hope for their relationship even though it took this tortured alpha some time to see reason.

Scandal: His Majesty’s Love-Child was a roller coaster romance with extreme tension leading the heroine from innocence to mature awareness and the hero from feeling tortured to feeling content. Annie West more than deserves high praise for writing such a beautiful contemporary and ending the series on such a high!

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

Author's website


Behind the book

FORBIDDEN: THE SHEIKH’S VIRGIN – Trish Morey (Dark Hearted Desert Men)

Author: Trish Morey
Line: Harlequin Presents / Mills and Boon Modern
Release month: North America/AU: June 2010 UK: May 2010
The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back Blurb:

“Bedded, by order of the Sheikh”

Sheikh Rafiq Al'Ramiz left his homeland behind-betrayed by the woman he loved. He's hardened his heart and made his fortune-and now he must return: his country needs him. But he is more powerful than ever, and vengeance is high on his agenda!

Seeing Sera again, he finds the image he's held of a heartless temptress at odds with her drab robes and downcast eyes-but he will take what he's owed! What will this ruthless sheikh do when he discovers Sera's very real innocence?

Review♥♥♥♥♥

After reading the Prologue in Forbidden: The Sheikh’s Virgin by Trish Morey, I knew this book was going to be one big bombshell! In book one learned that King Xavian abdicated when he learned he was really the missing Prince Zafir of Calista (The Royal House of Karades series). This meant then Kareef Al’Ramiz would be the next heir to the throne. However Kareef fell in love with a woman from his past, someone who could not produce an heir. Because of his love for her, he abdicated leaving his brother Rafiq Al’Ramiz the next in line to be King.

Coming home to Qusay was hard for Rafiq because of the memories and the woman he left behind, the woman he loved and who betrayed him by marrying another man. The very same woman named Sera who was now his mother’s companion and living in the palace, the woman he hated! Sera had married for wealth, privilege and status and now she was a widow. On top of it all, his mother the Sheikha wanted him to go into the desert to a village where the women of the village made beautiful fabrics to see if he wanted the fabrics exclusively for his emporium back in Australia. The same business he built from nothing which was a huge success because he enjoyed the challenge. Because of adversity it had shaped him into the man he was today. And Rafiq saw this journey as a way of getting revenge from Sera by taking her along with him. Knowing she was uncomfortable just being around him, pleased Rafiq and feeling her squirm in the vehicle, gave him great pleasure!

Sera was terrified. Remembering back eleven years ago when she loved him, all of the pain came flooding back. The Sheikha said maybe this trip was a way to put the past behind them, a chance to heal. However, sitting next to him, remembering their past love was killing her. And then at an oasis stop, emotions welled up when she held a visitors baby and if that wasn’t bad enough, Rafiq asked way too many questions, making her uncomfortable, making her remember their time spent together when they loved each other. And then Rafiq confronted her about how she had not only hurt him but had humiliated him, and he exploded in anger. She remembered how his father the King and her father demanded she marry Hussein, the Qusay ambassador, the same man her father promised her to years earlier. There had already been one scandal in the King’s family and he wasn’t about to have another.

For both Rafiq and Sera the trip was troubling. On top of that the emotion they were both feeling, remembering the past. So many secrets were revealed the entire “horror” of her marriage. Trish Morey wrote those scenes with such pain and passion she’ll have you weeping, I promise! When Rafiq realized he’d been blinded by his past pain and learned what part his father had played in Sera’s marriage he was shocked.

Just when you think they will get their second chance, the fates go against them. Rafiq wanted Sera to return to Australia and live with him but upon returning to the palace he’s told his brother had abdicated and he, Rafiq would now be King. Everything started to unravel in front of both their eyes when this proud man told her he loved her and wanted her to be his Queen. More secrets from Sera’s past marriage were revealed, horrible things her husband insisted she do, his threats and for Rafiq the enormity of these wrongs against Sera were overwhelming. Could he be King and also have the woman he loved as he wife? Or would he realize his future was with the her not the kingdom of Qusay?

As a wise village woman told him:

"Sometimes we look only with our eyes and we see only that which is right in front of us. Some people have perfect vision but will never see. For sometimes we must look beyond the pictures our mind presents as fact. Sometimes we need to see what is in our hearts. Only then do we see what is really true."

Trish Morey with her Forbidden: The Sheikh’s Virgin’s gave both Rafiq and Sera the second chance they deserved. But it also left a question as to who would be king. It left one to wonder if the youngest of the Al’Ramiz brothers’, Tahir would be found in the desert since his helicopter crashed. Would Tahir become king because it was obvious Rafiq was not giving up Sera the love of his life.


A kingdom torn apart by scandal, a throne left empty' four smoldering desert princes....Which one will claim the crown - and who will they claim as their brides?

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

More About the Book

BRIDE IN A GILDED CAGE - Abby Green

Author: Abby Green
Line: Harlequin Presents / Mills and Boon ModernRelease month: North America: July 2010 UK: April 2010
The S-Factor: All three S’s…..Sexy, Sensual, Sizzling
Back Blurb:

Forced to Wed! Isobel Miller and Rafael Romero have been promised to each other for years in marriage, as part of an agreement between their families.

While Rafael has never had any intention of settling down, when he sees the beautiful woman that Isobel has become, he realizes that marriage might not be such a bad prospect after all.

Isobel is caught, unable to get out of the ancient agreement without causing irreparable damage to her family. A legal contract says she must wed! But she is determined above all, to withstand Rafael’s devastating charm and stay true to herself...the only problem is that she hasn’t counted on Rafael’s slow and sensual wearing down of her defences…

Review♥♥♥♥♥
For me the perfect Presents is full of conflict and sensual tension and author Abby Green delivers this and more in Bride in a Gilded Cage. Talk about fireworks while reading the first chapters.

Isobel Miller had known since she was sixteen that at age 21 she would be required to marry Rafael Romero but she didn’t like it one bit! On her eighteenth birthday Rafael came to meet her and the meeting was very unsettling. Their future marriage was a “water tight” arrangement and when they married her family’s estencia would be returned and he would get a dynastic marriage from a family with a respected lineage. Not to mention that her father had made some bad investments and Rafael would give them a sizable amount of money. This agreement was made between her grandfather and his father years earlier.

Rafael Romero was a devastating male and and was one of the most sought after bachelors in Buenos Aires. He was determined to meet his future wife. Their meeting was absolutely explosive. Isobel was more than determined not to marry Rafael but when he grabbed her and kissed her it was quite amazing. However, being a proud alpha he brushed it off with a smart remark and left her absolutely confused and fuming. Now three years later he can’t seem to stop remembering that kiss and he looked forward to when she turned twenty-one and they could marry.

Three years later, Isobel now resided in Paris and was teaching Tango classes. Her memories of Rafael still lingered as she remembered his kiss and she hated him for it! Even though she had dated, no one came close to making her feel what she felt with Rafael. And now Rafael was in Paris to collect her and make her his bride. Did Rafael remember that kiss years ago? You bet he did and he was looking forward to their marriage because he sincerely believed it would work because the passion was there but also because Isobel stood up to him, she challenged him in so many ways.

Even though Isobel grew up in society it was not something she wanted. She didn’t want the designer clothes, the parties, the false friendships. She wanted to be free of that and was so hurt that her parents were relying on her to restore their fortune, not thinking about her. She loved to dance, she wanted to be free, she wanted to have her own studio and give families the opportunity to learn to dance. Plus she wanted to offer classes for disadvantaged kids and kids with learning disabilities because it had been proven dance was excellent therapy. She was conflicted because Rafael affected her and she was frightened, very frightened and afraid she would loose herself once they consummated their marriage because every time he kissed her, touched her, she went up in flames. What if she fell in love with him, would she loose her soul?

Rafael Romero, let’s just say was every woman’s dream. Successful, larger than life, full of passion and he ached for Isobel. She pleased him, she frustrated him and she was constantly on his mind. He couldn’t wait to have her in his bed. Every step of the way, their marriage was a challenge with misconceptions on both parts, passion that sizzled and then when you wondered if there was a chance for them, the walls came tumbling down and their passion exploded. Rafael was pleased and Isobel was in turmoil because she realized what she feared would happen, she loved him.

The ensuing chapters of Bride in a Gilded Cage were so full of conflict, turmoil, passion, making this the most amazing love story. Especially the ending when Rafael revealed his true feelings for Isobel and how he went about revealing and executing them. Their happy ending was magical, I promise. Bravo Abby Green, Bride in a Gilded Cage was an exception love story and took my breath away.

Behind the Book:

Abby discusses Bride in a Guilded Cage at I(Heart)Presents

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

Abby Green’s website

THE SHY BRIDE – Lucy Monroe (Traditional Greek Husbands mini-series)

Author: Lucy Monroe
Line: Harlequin Presents / Mills and Boon Modern
Release month: North America: Jul 2010 UK: Apr 2010
The S-Factor: Sexy and Sensual

Back Blurb:

Untouched — and bought for $100,000!

Thrust into the limelight, child star Cassandra timidly enchanted audiences night after night...But when her parents died, Cass retreated into her own world — too shy to leave her home. Once a year she shares her musical passion by offering lessons in a charity auction... This year, money talks...the winning bid: $100,000!

Enter: Neo Stamos, arrogant Greek tycoon. He wants Cass with a burning desire, though he knows that, shy and sweet, she will need a gentle awakening... But Neo’s the master of seduction!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

The Shy Bride by Lucy Monroe was a beautifully crafted contemporary romance, the first in a two book series. The reader was introduced not just to one but two amazing Greek billionaires.

Neo Stamos and Zephyr Nikos became friends in a Greek orphanage, ran away together at age fourteen to work on a ship and in their early twenty's went into business together and became multi-billionaires. What was more important was they were brother’s of the heart, and fiercely loyal to each other. When Neo’s GP told him to slow down, Zephyr at a charity Seattle auction, bought his friend piano lessons for a year from the very talented Cassandra Baker but Neo being the workaholic he was tried to get out of them. However, a bet was the deal breaker so Neo went to his first lesson at the pianist home, the very same artist he listened to in his penthouse most nights. Before Neo began his first piano lesson, he had his staff research Cass and they found out Cass had agoraphobic tendencies. He was amazed after a few lessons how much he enjoyed her, so much so, they actually became friends.

Cassandra Elliott had lived her entire life for her parents and her music. At age three it was discovered she had an incredible musical talent playing the piano. Because she was so very talented, she was forced by her parents to perform at concerts all over the world. She lived for her ailing mother, and when she died, she let her father and her manager rule her life and manage her career. They both insisted she was to continue the concert circuit. A life that eventually debilitated her. After her father died, she had no one, no friends, never dated and on top of that at age twenty-nine, she was a virgin and an agoraphobic.

Cass and Neo’s relationship changed when the press found out about Neo’s lessons. There was almost a breach in her home security when the press stormed and pounded on her doors and windows. Because he actually liked her as a friend, he took matters into his own hands and paid for a security home renovation. At first Cass objected but then she agreed because she actually trusted Neo and also she also felt attraction for him. After a few kisses everything changed especially when she staid at his penthouse while her security system was being installed. They shared so much in such a short time and then it happened, their relationship went from friendship to the next level……they became lovers.

While I loved Cass and could sympathize how selfish her family and concert manager were, plus her being agoraphobic I wondered while reading the last few chapters could she find happiness with this proud, sexy and accomplished billionaire? Would yet her heart be once again broken?

“For the first time in years, Cass felt like she was living not existing through her music.” Can you even imagine that? This wonderful Greek man was so patient with her, tried to make so many things special for her. So just when you think they had a chance, Cass overhears Neo and Zee talking about their relationship and everything falls apart for her. Or did it?

Did Neo love her? How could he recognize love when his very own parents abandoned him as a child? The only bond and trusting feelings he had were for his friend Zee. However, he also realized if he didn’t have Cass in his life it wouldn’t be worth living so in the end, of course Neo loved Cass. Neo had denied what others took for granted, love and family.

The Shy Bride was a sweet and warm romance and I loved how author Lucy Monroe tied the story into Cass’s agoraphobic condition. This author does that from time to time, and she addresses medical or personal issues that affect people and does it brilliantly. Be on the Lookout for Zephyr’s story titled The Greeks’s Pregnant Lover.

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

Lucy’s Website http://www.lucymonroe.com/Books_UpcomingReleases.htm

REVIEW: OVERTIME IN THE BOSS'S BED - NICOLA MARSH

Title: Overtime in the Boss's Bed

Author: Nicola Marsh

Line: Harlequin Presents Extra

Release Month: May (UK)/June (US)

The S-Factor: Steamy

Back-Blurb:

Desperate for a job, dancer Starr Merriday is forced to hang up her ballet shoes and accept a position as a P.A. in a new city—even if the last time she saw her new boss…she was naked in his bed! Her professional pumps and pencil skirt can't hide her top-to-toe blush when she remembers their blisteringly hot night together!

But Starr won't let that suppress her sassy spirit—after all, unbuttoning her blouse is next on her boss's agenda. So she will switch on her out-of-office and go to a meeting—in the boss's bed!

Review:

Fresh, funny, flirty and feel-good who can resist one of Nicola Marsh's delectable category romances? Written with plenty of style and brimming with sassiness and sensuality, if you like Rachel Gibson, you'll adore Nicola Marsh and her latest Harlequin Presents novel Overtime in the Boss's Bed!

Dancer Starr Merriday thought that life couldn't possibly get any better for her: she was doing what she loved most in the world, her finances were secure and she was in a relationship with the man of her dreams. But, when Starr walks in on her lover - and business partner - in bed with another woman and is brutally told that her services are no longer required, she finds herself jobless, penniless and single!

Cursing herself for ever letting anyone get close to her, Starr decides that the time has come for her to start afresh, so she packs her bags and heads off for pastures new - and collides with the most gorgeous man she has ever clapped eyes on: billionaire Callum Cartwright.

Callum is immediately attracted to sexy Starr and a night of no-strings sex seems just the ticket for him during this most stressful time! After their spectacular night together, Callum had thought that he would never clap eyes on Starr ever again. Although, he'd been unable to get Starr out of his mind, Callum knows that he has got no place for relationships in his life...

But when Starr turns up on his doorstep ready to take on a job as his new PA, Callum cannot help but want to get up close and personal with her not just in the boardroom.... but also in the bedroom!

A fabulous tale which you will devour in a single sitting, Overtime in the Boss's Bed is a wonderful category romance by a writer who never let her readers down! With a fabulously fun heroine, a sexy hero and lashings of witty dialogue, sizzling sex scenes, laugh out lines and moving pathos, Overtime in the Boss's Bed is another keeper from the stellar pen of Nicola Marsh!

Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥

Heroine Lovability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥

Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥

Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥

Weepy Factor ♥♥

GREEK TYCOON, WAYWARD WIFE – Sabrina Philips (Self-Made Millionaires)

Author: Sabrina Philips
Line: Harlequin Presents / Mills and Boon Modern
Release month: North America: Jun 2010 UK: May 2010
The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back Blurb:

The two-week marriage bargain...

Trembling with trepidation, Libby Delikaris braves the lion's den to ask her Greek husband for a divorce. But he's more merciless than Libby remembers and she suddenly finds her plan has crumbled.

The infamous Rion Delikaris knew Libby would return before long. He's been patiently waiting. No longer the boy from the slums, he's ready to show his wife what she's been missing!

Rion's offer: a two-week reconciliation... and he'll make sure she honours all her wedding vows!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Sabrina Philips yet again has written a roller coaster romance with Greek Tycoon, Wayward Wife. A young love and marriage of an English beauty and a proud and determined Greek, a marriage gone wrong. And now five years latter, Libby Ashworth is back in Rion Delikaris life to ask him for a divorce.

When I said “roller coaster romance” I meant it. One immediately gets the impression that Rion is a determined alpha, one who grew up poor and worked most of his adult life to become a successful millionaire. He worked to hard to provide for his bride, worked long and hard hours in order to get them out of their slum apartment. His determination was not only based on his love for her, it was because she came from a well to do family and he wanted to be an excellent provider. However, like all new marriages, there was no communication and being Greek, he didn’t want his wife to work, so she was left alone in a foreign land. It was too much for her and in the end, she fled and went back to England but not her family home because when Libby married Rion, her father disowned her.

Now five years later, Libby arrives at her husbands work place asking for a divorce. It’s evident she still desires him and it’s mutual. However, Rion has an agenda and he somewhat blackmails her into returning to his home Metameikos as his wife because he is running for a political office. It was obvious they both still had feelings for each other, felt the passion simmering between them. However, there were so many hurts for them both to heal, so many misunderstandings, lack of communication and assumptions.

While on Metameikos, Libby learned a lot about her husband. Surprising things surfaced and as secrets were revealed she had a new understanding as to how he grew up, why winning the election was so important to him but she also realized she loved him still but would he ever return that love? One just wanted to shake them both because at every turn, they assumed things about each other and they never tried to get everything out in the open. Would they get their second chance, or would Libby walk away again? There was a lot to take in with this particular love story and Sabrina Philips did a brilliant job with the passion, conflict and giving Libby and Rion their second chance.

On a personal note, I’m going to miss author Sabrina Philips as I’ve loved everything she’s written for Mills and Boon Modern and Harlequin Presents. From her very first debut to this her last book, I’ve taken the journey with this author. Thanks Sabrina, for all of the hours of reading enjoyment and I wish you the very best and hope to come back to us someday.

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

Behind the Book

THE PRINCE’S ROYAL CONCUBINE – Lynn Raye Harris

Author: Lynn Raye Harris
Line: Harlequin Presents / Mills and Boon Modern
Release month: North America: Jun 2010 UK: Mar 2010
The S-Factor: Sensual

Back Blurb:

Prince Cristiano di Savaré hunts his prey by ruthless means. Tonight's pickings—Antonella Romanelli, crown princess of a rival country and part of a dynasty he has every reason to despise….

Antonella is rocked by Cristiano's unexpected magnetism. But there's ice in his wolfish smile…. She's far from the promiscuous, spoiled socialite he believes her to be, but Cristiano is here to persuade her into compliance. If bedding her is what it takes, then it will make his mission all the more pleasurable….

Review:♥♥♥♥♥

If you’re a Presents fan then The Prince’s Royal Concubine is a must read for you! Author Lynne Raye Harris has written such an incredible and emotional love story, starring one sexy and handsome Prince, Cristiano di Savare. A man of wealth and power, a man who is determined to end the war in the neighboring country of Monteverde, the very same country that took the life of his wife in a bombing. He is so determined that he would even seduce and marry the Princess of that country, the very beautiful and seductive Princess Antonella Romanelli.

Antonella Romanelli has suffered so much at the hand of her abusive father, the King. The very King her brother Dante has deposed and is locked away in jail. However, her precious country is near ruin due to her father’s mishandling of the country’s funds. She also has suffered from a reputation of seducing men and of being a “loose woman”. Now her brother the ruling has sent her to see of she can secure a deal for her country, trying to save them, even if it means marrying man who can bail them out by purchasing ore from her country. And then a series of disasters happen, first Prince Christiano wins the deal, then there is a hurricane and Antonella is forced to accept help from the Prince she despises and seek shelter at a friends island home. On top of everything, Christiano has a very strong hold over her, makes her feel things she doesn’t want to and after saving her life when the hurricane picks up speed and literally demolishes most of the house in it wake, things really stir up and it’s not just the hurricane, it’s due to his sexual appeal, it’s due to them sharing about their lives and taking care of each other during the storm.

Christiano learns things about Antonella he can’t believe and the same for her. He learns about her abusive childhood, her love for her brother Dante and the biggest surprise of all, she’s a virgin. And then this sexy Princess talks about his first wife and shares his plans he has for his country and hers as well. On top of that, because of the aftershock of their hurricane experience, Christiano is stunned when he learns she’s a virgin and wants him to make love to her. However, beware, because just when you get a glimpse of their passion for each other, their respect for each other and that they will get that happy ending, everything goes up in smoke is all I’ll say. Talk about an emotional roller coaster.

What I loved about The Prince’s Royal Concubine is how the author drew characters from her previous books, tying three countries together. I also enjoyed her personal touches by using the South, Georgia to be specific as that’s where Lynn Raye resides. I also sincerely enjoyed reading Antonella’s story because one literally watched this character emerge from a woman who had lived with guilt and fear, into a strong woman, one who realized she deserved more and who would achieve it! Even though Antonella was devastated when Christiano sent her away and confessed her love, she grew as a person, also helping and coming forward to her own countryman talking about her abusive childhood. Her pain became her strength.

Lynn Raye Harris’s ability to give Christiano and Antonella their happy ending was amazing to read and how she tied it all together healing a Prince who blamed himself for his wife’s death, realizing he wanted this beautiful Princess in his life, healing them both and giving them happiness was nothing short of fabulous. Because in the end, this proud Prince realized the truth, that this wonderful brave woman taught him about facing the “demons” of his past so that they could both move forward.

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

Lynn Raye’s website

More about the book, here

CLAIMED BY THE SICILIAN (Mills and Boon By Request) – Kate Walker

Author: Kate Walker
Line: Mills and Boon By Request
Release month: North America/ UK: May 2010
The S-Factor: Sizzling, Sensual and Sexy

Back Blurb: Full description

Three proud, fiery Sicilian men who won-t be denied!

Sicilian Husband, Blackmailed Bride Kate Walker Dark, proud and sinfully gorgeous, Guido is determined to reclaim his wife! Amber looks untouchable, but Guido knows the passionate woman inside. One kiss and he-s certain she-ll give him whatever he demands!

The Sicilian-s Red-Hot Revenge Kate Walker Emily and Vito shared one night of passionate lovemaking. Then, in the cold light of day, her secret tore them apart. Now Vito has come back - and he-s determined to have his revenge!

The Sicilian-s Wife Kate Walker Cesare fell for Meg from the moment they met. He has waited for her to become an adult, but now Meg tells him she is pregnant by another man. Will Cesare still make her his bride? –

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Sicilian Husband, Blackmailed Bride

Again, Kate Walker has written a spellbinding story, one that took this reader on such an emotional journey.

Like so many of us who have attended formal wedding's and heard the clergy say "if anyone knows just cause why these two should not be joined.......", this is exactly how this story begins and I believe where Ms. Walker got her particular idea for this story. Just think about it for a minute, how would you react if someone spoke out? Well, our handsome, sexy alpha Guido does just that and then some, taking everyone present at the wedding by surprise.

When Amber met Guido in Las Vegas, there was an immediate attraction, strong emotions, and longing. So when Guido realized he had to have her, there was only one choice and that was to ask her to marry him. Amber's feelings for him were so strong that she immediately said yes and wanted to marry immediately; they did! However, their relationship was based on one of misunderstanding, lack of communication and secrets. When Amber realized she married him and did not know him she ran and with a man she later promised to marry. At this wedding, the story begins.

Guido arrives at the wedding just in time and forces Amber to leave her wedding, confront the groom, admit she is married to Guido and leaves for Sicily and his home. It is there, she finds out his secret.......he's wealthy, they are married and will remain so and he has not been honest with her. It is here, they both examine themselves, their past, and present and where Amber realizes that she has loved him always, is vulnerable to him and loves him with desperation. And Guido? He believes Amber had never been strong enough to believe in him. He also realizes that he is the only person that has ever stood by her.

I actually felt like I was caught in the eye of a storm. While reading Guido and Amber's story I was on edge, anticipating at every turn, the outcome, wishing and wanting them to resolve their differences and find love again.

The Sicilian Husband, Blackmailed Bride is the first book in the duo Corsentino's brother's series, with Vito's story being next (The Sicilians Red-Hot Revenge) . These Sicilian men are strong, hard working and love intensely. I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved this first book and I am looking forward to next

The Sicilian-s Red-Hot Revenge

This was Kate's 50th book and oh what a book. It was released in June 2007 by Mills and Boon. It was a very powerful and passionate love story with another of Kate's "hot" Italian men and this time it's Vito! Vito is to die for in looks, in spirit and so very passionate. And when he's angry, well just watch out!

As you learned in Sicilian Husband, Blackmailed Bride, Guido has a brother Vito and they are in business together. For years they worked non-stop and promised each other on their 30th birthday they would take a year off and this is Vito's year. As he comes from a shipbuilding family, his passion is carving; so he rents a flat near the shore in England. In this same book, you also learn that at a wedding a woman faints and of course this is one introduction in meeting Emily.

On one very particular day Vito is out walking and sees a beautiful Englishwoman on the beach and is immediately captivated by her until he realizes she is in danger of drowning in the ocean and he comes to her rescue. Their attraction is immediate and Vito insists that Emily accompany him back to his flat to get warmed up and out of her wet clothes. After a short kiss on the beach, Emily realizes she is in trouble, but in the end goes home with Vito.

Of course, any hot blooded Italian who is so desperately attracted to a woman like Emily...not just her simple beauty but her spirit and the passion he sees in her eyes can't control himself. Once they come together all is lost for them both. However, the tables are turned when Vito retrieves Emily's personal belongings and answers her cell. There he finds out that she is married and angry doesn't even describe his emotions. Emily flees back home and Vito returns to Italy. One evening while dining with his brother and sister in-law he learns that at the wedding his brother broke up there was a woman who fainted and her name was Emily Lawton. Vito is shocked and reacts quickly, flying to England and to Emily.

Vito and Emily's reuniting was very painful for me to read. It so depicts how miscommunication or lack of it can destroy a relationship. Honesty finally prevails, a lesson we can all learn and their passion, longing and yearning will take your breath away.

The Sicilian’s Wife

This was Cesare Santorino’s story. He was the half brother to Gio and had always loved his business partner’s daughter, the very beautiful Megan Ellis. However, he was eight years older than Megan and had made her father a promise not to do anything until after she’d graduated from college. Now, she’s returned from university and has a secret, one that could possibility change eveyone’s life forever……she’s pregnant with another man’s child, or so it seems.
On top of everything else, Megan’s father is almost in financial ruin and will not accept a hand out from Cesare. However, if Megan were to marry, that would be different so unannounced Cesare arrives at her home after waiting patiently for Megan to return and without explaining his feelings for her, he proposes letting her believe that his reasons are he’s always wanted her in his bed. However, when the bomb drops that she thinks she’s pregnant, he takes things a step further and gets her to see reason and sets immediate wedding plans in motion.

Megan has always loved Cesare, in fact the man she slept with was a dead ringer for Cesare. She goes through with the wedding because her future husband says he’ll help her father and also be a father to her baby. Whether the stress of the wedding or everything that led up to it, she believes she is miscarrying on their wedding night only to find out the next day that her pregnancy was a “hystercial” or false one, that she was never pregnant at all.

Talk about communication problems. Cesare being the stubborn Italian man that he was, only communicates with Megan while making love. He never really shares his feelings nor his promise to her father. As for Megan, she confides in his brother Gio. Talk about frustrating to read at times, one just wanted to shake them both. It was obvious that emotions rang strong, that they sincerely loved each other but they couldn’t seem to get the words out. To make matters worse, when each confronted they short words back in anger and in their frustration almost lost happiness.

The Sicilian Wife was an amazing sensual journey as only Kate Walker can pen, giving this very sensual couple a second chance in finding love. I would personally like to say, thank you to Kate Walker for the wonderful hours of reading you have personally provided this reader and please keep those books coming

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

BACHELOR’S BOUGHT BRIDE – Jennifer Lewis (King’s of the Boardroom)

Author: Jennifer Lewis
Line: Silhouette Desire
Release month: North America/UK: May 2010
The S-Factor: Sexy

Back Blurb:

Quietly attractive, sweet natured…and filthy rich, Bree Kincannon was just the bride ad exec Gavin Spencer had been looking for. And Bree's father had secretly offered him a cool million to take her off his hands. With the chance to start his own agency, it took the bachelor no time to turn the heiress into his loving wife.

Yet it didn't take Bree long to discover the real reason behind Gavin's whirlwind courtship. And the bedroom door was slammed in his face…. Too late, he realized his feelings were very real. But could he convince his bought bride that his motives for marriage had changed?

Review♥♥♥♥♥

Bree Kincannon had always been sceptical of men because it only meant one thing, they were after her inheritance. She had been involved with a couple of men but most people found her dull and plain. So on the evening of a benefit she was attending with her father, she was blown away because a handsome advertising account executive paid attention to her, more than attention, he spent the evening with her dancing and getting to know her. Now three weeks later after dating and spending time with each other, Gavin Spencer takes it to the next level, they make love and then out of the blue, he proposes and sets up a wedding with only the two of them a few days later.

Gavin Spencer as a young man went against his military father and went in a career direction that he wanted, advertising. He was good at it and worked at one of the top firms. However, his goal and dream were to have his own firm, run his business his own way and when he was approached by a man who offered him one million dollars to court and marry his daughter, he agreed. What he didn’t count on is that this sweet woman would worm her way into his life and in a few short weeks he would enjoy her, make her his life partner and look forward to it, plus their passion was a bonus. He genuinely liked her, enjoyed being with her.

A few days after their wedding everything explodes for Bree as she hears her father’s voicemail to her new husband and learns of their deceit. However, she’s determined to get through it somehow, maybe make him fall in love with her? But for Gavin, being married gave him a “foundation”. However, he felt guilty for taking her father’s money but that was the only way he could start up his own business.

Bree was an excellent photographer and had won awards and had the opportunity to photograph a well known actor and her photos were good. Now her husband wanted her to photograph a new client of his, a well respected jeweler and she wanted the opportunity but she also wanted revenge.

So I wondered how the author would play out the revenge. Poor Bree considered herself a fool for loving Gavin. I knew Bree meant more to Gavin than the money, because in the end, the tables were turned and he actually loved and respected Bree! Could they find their way back? It would take this strong and proud alpha male to pull it off and he did it in ways one won’t believe. Because at the end of the day, Gavin truly loved Bree!

While reading this wonderful love story, I kept thinking of love at first sight and my own courtship and marriage. Can it happen? You bet, it did for me. So I could only hope while reading Bachelor’s Bought Bride that Bree and Gavin would get their happy ending as well. Of course they did and it was a beautiful ending thanks to Jennifer Lewis.

The very strong message from the author was where ever your love was it felt like home! Childhood memories didn’t mean a thing, because after meeting Gavin it was all about him, to be with him, to share everything. Could this really be real? In the end, it was about love, believing in your partner, forgiveness and understanding which made for an amazing romance.

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

Jen’s website:

Behind the Book

Bachelor’s Bought Bride is part of the Kings of the Boardroom miniseries, set in and around a boutique advertising agency in San Francisco. Gavin is a successful advertising executive, but has long dreamed of opening his own agency. When he approaches renowned investor Elliott Kincannon for money to fund his start up, the older man comes back with a bizarre yet intriguing proposition.

Life hasn’t been easy for Bree Kincannon, despite the millions she inherited on her mother’s death. Her father is cold and demanding, and thinks little of her dreams and achievements. He’d have preferred an empty-headed social butterfly, not a retiring photographer. She’d love to get married and have children, but dealing with money-hungry sharks, more interested in her fortune than in her, has soured her on men. Then Gavin comes along...

Review: To Catch a Rogue - Amanda McCabe

Title: To Catch a Rogue

Author: Amanda McCabe

Line: Harlequin Historicals

Release Date: April 2010

The S-Factor: Steamy

Back-Blurb:

When antiquities begin to go missing from London drawing rooms Miss Calliope Chase sets out to restore order. The thief must be a well-connected member of the Ton. And she doesn't need to look much further than Cameron de Vere, Earl of Westwood, for a suspect.

What she doesn't realize is that her determined pursuit of a criminal is beginning to look like a budding romance. Until Cameron kisses her, and her ordered life is thrown into appalling confusion!

Review:

Best-selling author Amanda McCabe kicks off her fabulous new Regency trilogy, The Muses of Mayfair, with a captivating tale of intrigue, passion, antiquities and seduction: To Catch a Rogue!

Miss Calliope Chase is not like other ladies of the Ton. She does not care a single jot for marriage and matrimony and instead of wasting her time on fripperies and trivia, she has formed a Ladies Society with her two sisters, Clio and Thalia, and some of their other friends whereby they can indulge in their passion for history and antiquities. Calliope would much rather have her nose in a book then spend a tedious evening in society. Yet, when the devilishly handsome Cameron de Vere, Earl of Westood, waltzes into her life, Calliope cannot help but be drawn to this irresistible gentleman...

But there are more pressing manners to worry about other than the charismatic Earl for polite society has been rocked by a scandal: antiquities are being stolen by a criminal who simply calls himself 'The Lily Thief' and intrepid Calliope and her group of friends are determined to find the culprit!

However, Calliope soon realizes that she needs help in her quest to unmask the thief - and who better to help her than the man who has haunted her thoughts and dreams for months: Cameron...

As danger escalates, Calliope and Cameron find themselves drawn to one another and they soon realize that one kiss is simply not enough...

If you enjoy the historical romances of Amanda Quick, you will absolutely adore Amanda McCabe's spellbinding new series for Harlequin Historicals! Sparkling with wicked humour, fantastic period detail, engaging drama and heartwarming romance, you will be simply enchanted by To Catch a Rogue!

Well-written, fast-paced and bursting with characters you will be unable to forget, To Catch a Rogue is Regency romance at its most dazzling and fun!

Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥

Heroine Loveability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥

Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥

Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥

Weepy Factor ♥♥♥

TAMED: THE BARBARIAN KING (Book 2, Dark Hearted Desert Men) – Jennie Lucas

Author: Jennie Lucas
Line: Harlequin Presents / Mills and Boon Modern
Release month: North America: May 2010 UK: April 2010
The S-Factor: Sensual

Back Blurb:

He's as wild as the desert, a barbarian prince, a revered leader. Long ago he loved a girl, but the power of their feelings almost destroyed them both. Now that woman, the only one he could ever love, is forbidden to him!

Betrothed to another, unable to bear him sons, she is unfit to be his queen…. But she can stop the storm that has raged in his heart since he last made her his.

His choice—take her as his mistress, or become the king he was born to be….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Jennie Lucas has written a real winner with her first venture into the sheikh genre with Tamed: The Barbarian King. It was such an emotional read of two strong characters who once were deeply in love and experienced a tragic ending with no hope for a second chance, or was there?

In Book 1 Banished Sheikh, Untouched Queen we learned that the future king was not the natural heir but the missing son the king from Calista. In the end he abdicated and went to live with his new wife, the Queen. So now the throne of Qusay needs a king and it falls to the oldest son of the deceased King’s brother, a nephew Kareef Al’Ramiz, a fierce warrior of the desert, a man of honor, a man who lost the love of his life 13 years ago when they fell in love, lost a child and there was a scandal which ruined her family and she was exiled to the United States.

Now years later Jasmine Kouri has returned to her homeland engaged to a respected man of high society in Qusay and is soon to be wed and her family have forgiven her past mistakes because she is now marrying this well respected man, a man who for the most part controls her life. This very same man is also making her a ready made mother to his four children, giving her her hearts desire because when she lost her baby years ago she was told she would never bare children.

As fate sometimes intervenes, Jasmine and her past lover the future King of Qusay are thrown together at her engagement party. Her fiance is called away on an emergency and asks that the future King Kareef take care of Jasmine, under his protection. As you can well imagine, it’s very difficult for them both in more ways than one because they are still so very attracted to each other and Kareef is determined to have Jasmine in his bed so he makes the decision to take her to his desert home, a home he had once promised her. So many things happen……..a car accident, a sand storm and their own full fledged storm, a romantic one that will literally take your breath away because they can’t forget the past, a past that ties them together in more ways than you can imagine. A past of loving memories and horrible ones because of the loss of their child and the scandal their relationship caused their country and families.

Towards the end of this very emotional love story, at times I had to put it down because I could feel their pain and their love and the possibility of a not so happy ending. The way author Jennie Lucas tied this story together was magnificent which also earned Tamed: The Barbarian King a spot on the USA Today Best Selling List and it’s no wonder because it was such an emotional roller coaster with them getting their second chance plus leaving the throne of Qusay yet again without a King.

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

Authors website http://www.jennielucas.com/

Behind the Book @IheartPresents

BLACKWOLF’S REDEMPTION – Sandra Marton (Men Without Mercy)

Author: Sandra Marton
Line: Harlequin Presents / Mills and Boon Modern
Release month: North America/UK May 2010
The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back Blurb:

Jesse Blackwolf—uncompromising, determined and an undeniable success. He has no desire to deal with the outspoken bundle of femininity he's found trespassing on his land!

When Sienna Cummings awakes to find herself pressed against a muscled chest, she's shocked and stunned! Where is she? Who is this man who holds her so possessively with passion glinting in his eyes? It's more than confusion that makes Sienna's heart beat faster—she suspects his untamed wildness hides something that maybe only she can set free….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Sandra Marton never disappoints and Blackwolf’s Redemption was an interesting and quite amazing romance one that took me from the year 2010 to the year of 1975 through time travel. This book is part of Men Without Mercy series and is described as “arrogant and proud, unashamedly male” and that certainly describes Jesse Blackwolf. He was an amazing alpha hero, one that willing to give up everything for the woman he loved.

Jesse and Sienna Cummings love story all began with summer solstice June 21, 2010 when Sienna an anthropologist and her team were in Blackwolf canyon and then Sienna is transported back in time through a series of events and she is found injured on a ledge by the dashing Jesse Blackwolf. However, the year is 1975. Jesse himself also experienced something that day in the canyon. He had ridden out into the canyon to say goodbye as he had some decisions to make about the possibility of selling his land and relocating to San Francisco. However, now he has this beautiful woman on his hands, a woman that attracts him beyond anything he’s ever experienced, a very mysterious and sexy woman who tempts him every step of the way.

Sandra Marton takes her reader on such an incredible and sensual journey plus it personally made me think about everything as a country we’ve overcome…..the Vietnam war, technology, women’s rights……all of it. Even though I don’t believe in time travel, thinking about it in the eyes of the heroine, I could well imagine how frightening and confusing it must have been for Sienna. And then the frustration to fall head over heals in love with a part Native American, a very rich and sexy one I might add and then to be thrust once again back into the year 2010, leaving the only man she loved behind?

Trust me, it’s a beautiful love story with two strong characters whose love is “timeless” with an incredible ending tying everything together by this very talented Presents author. As the inside cover states, it’s a Presents “with a retro twist….Step back in time to when men were men and women knew just how to tame them!”

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

Behind the book from Iheartpresents
A USA Today best seller
About the series from a Border’s post

BARGAINING FOR BABY (Billionaires and Babies) – Robyn Grady

Author: Robyn Grady
Line: Silhouette Desire
Release month: North America/UK: May 2010 AUS: June 2010
The S-Factor: Sexy

Back Blurb:

Queensland sheep station owner Jack Prescott wasn't ready to be a full-time father. He'd do his duty and care for his orphaned nephew, but he had no place in his battered heart for a baby…or for guardian Madison Tyler, the woman hell-bent on disrupting his life.

Yet Jack couldn't ignore the attraction he felt for Madison. Their affair was fast and furious…and soon fraught with regret. The city girl's stay in the Outback was only temporary, and Jack had a little boy to care for. How could they even consider bargaining for more time when neither was prepared for forever?

Review♥♥♥♥♥

Madison Tyler had just lost her best friend Dahlia Prescott and now she had the responsibility of giving her friend’s brother, Jack Prescott his nephew. However, she promised Dahlia she would make sure everything went well and so she demanded she return to his ranch with him and the baby to make sure the transition went well. However, after meeting Jack, she wasn’t too sure what to expect and how he would interact with the baby because he was so aloof, a loner and a mystery to her. One thing is for sure, Maddy and Jack immediately realize there is something sizzling between them with every look, touch and things could get very complicated for them both!

Jack Prescott was one hot cowboy! However, he was a loner and had many regrets. Now his sister was dead, he had this beautiful woman at his ranch and a nephew to care for and on top of that he was very attracted to this Australian “city girl” who he knew would want to return home to her father and her job. To complicate matters, Jack had resigned himself that one day in the future, he would probably agree to take his friendship with a neighboring rancher to the next level and marry. However, due to his past marriage they absolutely would not have any children. Now he has Maddy and the baby at his ranch and as they get to know each other, he realizes he must have her before she returns home so he breaks things off with the rancher and invites Maddy to a gala. Maddy accepts and both she and Jack know her acceptance means a lot more than the kisses that have been exchanged, it means intimacy for them both.

Throughout reading Jack and Maddy’s story, I realized I was holding my breath because early in their story it’s revealed that Jack lost his wife and child. Jack still wears his wedding band round his neck and after they become intimate, he’s still wearing it. There were also other factors, Maddy and her relationship with her father and her career at her father’s firm and her strong emotions about proving herself to her father. And then there’s Maddy’s love for the baby and how returning home would rip her heart out because she would be leaving both the baby and Jack behind.

Loss, they had both lost so much…….Jack his parents, his wife and baby, and now his sister. Maddy, her sweet mother and in a way her father and now her best friend. Jack blamed himself and was afraid to take a chance because he believed not to tempt fate. As for Maddy, how could she compete with a “dead wife and child”? And just when you think Maddy and Jack have a chance everything goes down hill because of communication and their differences……she was a city girl and he was a rancher and for Jack it’s all about the farm and what his ancestors had done for generations. As for Maddy, she wanted to prove herself to her father at his advertising firm.

Prepare your self for a “teary” ending as only Roby Grady can pen because when Jack realizes what’s important and that he would give everything up for the woman he loves, you’ll be sobbing your heart out, I promise because you’ll soon realize that Dahlia, Jack’s sister and Maddy’s friend was watching over all three of them, sending her love to them all and making them a beautiful family! Bargaining for Baby was truly a beautiful and romantic love story.

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

“She always wanted to belong, but no one belonged to a job or address”.


Robyn’s website

Behind the Book

CHASING PERFECT (Book 1, Fools Gold Series) - Susan Mallery

Author: Susan Mallery
Line: HQN
Release month: North America/UK: April 2010
The S-Factor: Sexy

Back Blurb:

Welcome to Fool's Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There's lots to do and plenty of people to meet, especially women. Because there's just one tiny problem in Fool's Gold: the men don't seem to stick around. Maybe it's the lure of big-city life, or maybe it's plain old bad luck, but regardless of the reason, the problem has to be fixed, fast. And Charity Jones may be just the city planner to do it.

Charity's nomadic childhood has left her itching to settle down, and she immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer—everything, that is, except its sexiest and most famous resident, former world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she's not about to take a chance on another bad boy, even if everyone else thinks he's perfect just the way he is. But maybe that's just what he needs—someone who knows the value of his flaws. Someone who knows that he's just chasing perfect.

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Chasing Perfect by New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery was a charming and spectacular read about a small town named Fools Gold, California, a town that had more women then men, a town with people who cared about and helped each other. A town determined not to go under and to succeed because the town needed to band together under the guidance of their major, city planner, and the town hero to make sure they could bring new businesses into their community and along with that…… men!

After reading a few chapters I was immediately drawn into the story due to very strong main and secondary characters. As with all of Mallery’s books, Chasing Perfect was no different because the main theme was about family, friendships, love and home. I also found this particular story had secrets, twists, turns, and even some suspense. Chasing Perfect did not disappoint me, it made me not want the story to end nor have to wait for the next books in the upcoming series.

Charity Jones, the heroine of the book was a strong and sweet woman and was brought to Fools Gold by the major and hired as the city planner. From the very beginning one had the feeling there was going to be something going on between Charity and the major. It was later revealed that Charity was the major’s grand daughter. It was a very moving story. As it turned out the mayors daughter ran away from home and Charity never knew she had a family. Her mother went from town to town and from one man to another. Because of her mother, it was important Charity to have roots. So when it was revealed to her that she had a grandmother she was over joyed.

However, the town hero and bad boy Josh Golden was amazing. Josh was a retired professional bike racer and someone the town adored. When his mother abandoned him at a very young age, the town took him in and made sure he was OK. A home and family was found for Josh, a family who loved and nurtured him with the town looking on.. Fools Gold adored Josh and what his fame brought to their town.

Chasing Perfect was a brilliant first book in the series. It could also be considered a stand alone book. However, after perusing the author’s website, reading about the town of Fools Gold, the next two books in the series (names)I can’t imagine why anyone would not want to collect the entire Fools Gold collection.

For me, this author never fails to deliver a lively and entertaining read and I can always count on the story being a sensual one but most importantly one about family and the sense of belonging. Chasing Perfect was no different, it made me feel warm and fuzzy all over!

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

This past week Chasing Perfect was #11 on the NYTimes Best Selling List

Author’s website
Book Trailer
About Fools Gold, CA USA

THE SICILIAN'S MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT - LUCY MONROE/JULIA JAMES

Author: Lucy Monroe
Line: Harlequin Showcase
Release month: North America/UK: May 2010
The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back Blurb:

The Sicilian’s Marriage Arrangement – Lucy Monroe

Hope Bishop is stunned when darkly sexy Sicilian tycoon Luciano di Valerio proposes marriage. Brought up by her wealthy but distant grandfather, she is used to fading into the background and being ignored.

But Luciano's sensual lovemaking makes her feel vibrantly alive. Hope falls in love with her husband and is blissfully happy—until she discovers that Luciano ruthlessly married her…for convenience!

Review - Lucy Monroe: ♥♥♥♥♥

The greatest thing you'll ever learn Is to love and be loved in return.~ From "Unforgettable with Love"Natalie Cole

A strong alpha, a young girl who for years loved this sexy Italian! Blackmailed into marriage! Secrets! Passion! How much better can it get? Again, another Lucy Monroe book I couldn't put down once I began. This is such a powerful and intense love story.

Hope Bishop had been raised without parents and by her wealthy grandfather who only had time for his business and business associates. For Hope, life was very lonely and as she matured and first set eyes on the sexy millionaire Luciano de Valerio she was smitten. For years she had loved this man from afar and when he turns up at a New Years Eve party and kisses her at midnight, she’s sure of her love for this man.

Luciano iis not only handsome and wealthy, he’s a successful businessman. He is very loyal to his family and family business so when Hope’s grandfather approaches him with a deal, a deal to get his families business back by marrying his granddaughter, what choice does he have? Luciano thinks Hope is sweet, loving and tender and that she will make him a wonderful Sicilian wife but he doesn’t count on the attraction between them. Lucy takes this attraction and makes it a dance, a dance and journey you won’t want to miss.

I wonder how many women have had crushes or loved for years without that person realizing it?.. If you had the chance and someone could make it possible, what would be your choice?

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn

Behind the Book from Lucy Monroe:

"When I was invited to write a book for the 2004 M& B Mother's Day Anthology, I was thrilled when my editor told me, "We want classic Presents, maybe an international hero, but you can write what you want." I knew just who I was going to write about. Luciano and Hope had been filling my thoughts for months, but I didn't know when I was going to get to write their story. Luciano is a Sicilian tycoon with more than his share of pride and family commitment. Hope has been raised in Boston by her workaholic grandfather. While Luciano is more than happy to remain focused on their sizzling physical attraction, Hope's emotions become involved very quickly." LM

Book Trailer